When it comes to classic revolvers, few names command as much respect as Smith & Wesson. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship, reliability, and timeless design, Smith & Wesson’s firearms have become legendary among shooters and collectors alike. Among their most beloved models stands the Smith Model 17, a revolver that has earned a permanent place in the hearts of target shooters, firearm enthusiasts, and collectors.
This .22 caliber revolver isn’t just another rimfire handgun — it’s a masterpiece that represents decades of refinement, precision engineering, and enduring popularity. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the history, design, features, shooting performance, and legacy of the Smith Model 17, explaining why it remains one of the finest revolvers ever made.
1. Origins of the Smith Model 17
The story of the Smith Model 17 begins in the 1930s, when Smith & Wesson introduced the K-22 Outdoorsman — a revolver designed specifically for small-game hunting, plinking, and precision target shooting. Built on the company’s famous K-frame, the K-22 was chambered in .22 Long Rifle (LR), a cartridge known for its affordability, accuracy, and mild recoil.
In 1947, after World War II, Smith & Wesson refined the design and introduced the K-22 Masterpiece, an upgraded model with improved sights, a smoother trigger, and enhanced balance. It quickly became the gold standard for rimfire revolvers, popular among competitive shooters and law enforcement officers who wanted an inexpensive training analog to their service revolvers.
In 1957, when Smith & Wesson began using numerical model designations, the K-22 Masterpiece officially became known as the Smith & Wesson Model 17.
2. Design and Build Quality
The Smith Model 17 exemplifies everything revolver enthusiasts love about traditional firearm craftsmanship. It’s built on the medium-sized K-frame, which strikes a perfect balance between sturdiness and shootability. The revolver features an all-steel construction, giving it a solid, reassuring heft in the hand.
Key specifications (typical Model 17 variants):
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)
- Action: Double-action / single-action
- Frame: K-frame (medium)
- Barrel length: Commonly 6 inches (though 4” and 8 3⁄8” versions exist)
- Finish: Blued steel (later stainless versions in Model 617)
- Capacity: 6 rounds (later models: 10 rounds)
- Sights: Adjustable rear sight, Patridge-style front sight
Every detail of the Model 17 reflects precision engineering. The revolver’s smooth trigger pull, crisp single-action break, and adjustable sights make it ideal for bullseye shooting and training exercises.
Collectors often praise the Model 17’s fit and finish, with deep bluing and finely machined parts that speak to the quality of mid-20th-century American manufacturing.
3. Shooting Experience and Performance
Ask any shooter who has fired a Smith Model 17, and they’ll likely describe it as one of the most accurate and enjoyable revolvers ever made. Chambered in .22 LR, it offers almost no recoil, allowing for long practice sessions without fatigue.
Because it shares the same frame size and grip shape as many of Smith & Wesson’s service revolvers — such as the Model 10 (.38 Special) — the Model 17 was often used by police departments for training. It allowed officers to develop trigger discipline, sight alignment, and handling skills at a fraction of the cost of centerfire ammunition.
From a shooting standpoint:
- Single-action mode delivers an extremely light, crisp break, ideal for precision shooting.
- Double-action mode provides smooth and consistent pull, making it suitable for practical shooting or rapid fire.
When paired with quality ammunition, the Model 17 is capable of exceptional accuracy, rivaling even some target pistols. Many shooters report tight groupings at 25 and even 50 yards.
4. Evolution and Variants
Over the decades, the Smith Model 17 has evolved through numerous versions and refinements, each retaining the soul of the original while incorporating modern features.
a. Pre-Model 17 (K-22 Masterpiece)
Before numerical model designations, the revolver was known as the K-22 Masterpiece. These early models from the 1930s–1950s are highly sought after by collectors for their craftsmanship and historical value.
b. Model 17-2 to Model 17-6
Smith & Wesson’s numbering system used “dash” numbers to indicate engineering changes. For instance:
- Model 17-2 (1961): Changed extractor rod thread direction.
- Model 17-3 (1967): Redesigned rear sight leaf.
- Model 17-4 (1977): Introduced a new barrel pin system.
- Model 17-5 and 17-6: Further mechanical refinements.
Each iteration reflected Smith & Wesson’s commitment to continual improvement.
c. Model 617 (Stainless Steel Successor)
In the late 1980s, Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 617, a stainless-steel variant of the Model 17. It retained the same mechanical design but offered increased corrosion resistance and, eventually, 10-shot cylinders, appealing to modern shooters who valued higher capacity and durability.
Even today, the Model 617 continues to be produced, carrying forward the legacy of the Model 17 for a new generation.
5. Why Shooters Love the Smith Model 17
The Smith Model 17 isn’t just a revolver — it’s an experience. Whether you’re a collector, a competitor, or a casual shooter, this firearm has something to offer.
Here’s why it remains so beloved:
- Exceptional Accuracy:
The Model 17’s tight tolerances and balanced design make it a precision shooter’s dream. - Timeless Craftsmanship:
Older blued models are admired for their deep luster and smooth mechanical action — hallmarks of S&W’s golden era. - Training Value:
It mirrors the handling of larger revolvers, allowing shooters to train affordably with .22 LR ammo. - Low Recoil, High Enjoyment:
Perfect for beginners and seasoned marksmen alike, providing an easy and rewarding shooting experience. - Collector Appeal:
Early versions, especially pre-Model 17 K-22 Masterpieces, command high prices among collectors due to their rarity and condition. - Heritage and Legacy:
The Model 17 represents a link to an era when revolvers ruled the range and craftsmanship mattered more than mass production.
6. Collecting and Valuation
For firearm collectors, the Smith Model 17 is a prized addition. Its value varies based on condition, age, and specific variant.
Factors influencing value include:
- Year of manufacture
- Barrel length and configuration
- Original bluing and grips
- Matching serial numbers
- Presence of original box or paperwork
As of recent years, mint-condition Model 17 revolvers often sell between $900 and $1,500 USD, while rare pre-Model K-22 examples can fetch upwards of $2,000–$3,000 at auction.
Meanwhile, the Model 617 remains a popular choice for modern shooters who want the same feel and accuracy but with stainless steel construction and 10-round capacity.
7. The Smith Model 17 in Modern Shooting Culture
Even decades after its introduction, the Smith Model 17 maintains a loyal following. On shooting forums, gun ranges, and collector shows, enthusiasts continue to praise its unmatched balance and nostalgic charm.
Many shooters today still prefer the Model 17 for:
- Target competitions
- Skill development
- Recreational shooting
- Historical collecting
It also bridges generations — older shooters pass theirs down to children and grandchildren, teaching them marksmanship on the same revolver they learned with decades earlier.
That emotional continuity — that sense of tradition — is part of what makes the Model 17 so special.
8. Conclusion:
The Smith Model 17 isn’t just a revolver; it’s a symbol of American gunmaking excellence. From its origins as the K-22 Masterpiece to its evolution into the stainless-steel Model 617, it represents the pinnacle of precision shooting and timeless design.
